The 2011 NFL Draft is just hours away and Jets Nation has a pair of wonderful options to follow this historic event Thursday evening.
As the Jets' brass goes through its final preparations here from the team's base at the Atlantic Health Training Center, we will broadcast a live predraft show presented by New York Daily News, Pepsi Max, Toyota and Verizon here on newyorkjets.com from 6-8 p.m.
I'll co-host the event alongside Randy Lange, our editor-in-chief, and we'll be joined by a blockbuster set of guests, including Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum. We promise an action-packed two hours as we'll visit with some other members of the Jets' scouting brass and draft pundits like Rich Cirminiello of CollegeFootballNews.com.
But the most exciting aspect of the show is that you're going to be a part of it. Jets Nation will be able to not only follow on the video monitor, but we will encourage everyone to post questions for our guests and newyorkjets.com's hosts via our coveritlive interface. So all you have is come to the site about 5:30 p.m. and then we'll set the table for your draft entree. In an attempt to provide for all of our fans, we will stream the action live on the Jets' Facebook page.
And at the Stadium...
While this must-see is taking place, the Jets will host their annual draft day party at New Meadowlands Stadium, presented by the New York Daily News, Pepsi Max, Toyota and Verizon, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free and you do not need a ticket.
Bob Wischusen, voice of the Jets radio team, will host a predraft program live on ESPN 1050 from 7-8 p.m. broadcast from the Bud Light stage. Fans attending the party will have the opportunity to walk on the field, kick field goals, meet and greet Jets cheerleaders and chat with alumni including Greg Buttle, Bruce Harper, Bobby Jackson and Wesley Walker.
Then once 8 p.m. hits, you can watch with fellow Jets fans as the draft unfolds on the stadium's four enormous videoboards.
The draft is a three-day event and Thursday is the kickoff with the first round commencing at 8. Then on Friday the second and third-rounds will take place as the action begins at 7 p.m. Finally on Saturday, we'll finish with Rounds 4-7, with the selection process getting under way at high noon.
The Jets, who are scheduled to draft No. 30th overall, currently own six selections. The Green & White acquired CB Antonio Cromartie last year from the San Diego Chargers in exchange for a second-round pick. Cromartie tied for the team lead last season with three interceptions and had that critical kickoff return in the Jets' thrilling AFC Wild Card win over Indianapolis.
The Jets' selections one more time:
Round 1 —30th overall (own selection)
Round 3 — 94th (own)
Round 4 —126th (own)
Round 5 —161st (own)
Round 6 —194th (own)
Round 7 — 208th (from Arizona in Kerry Rhodes trade)
We will be here throughout the weekend providing wall-to-wall draft coverage with news stories, blogs and video interviews. And we ask you to join us starting Thursday as we begin the long weekend with our interactive predraft show.
